Mumbai: Kaali-peeli taxis and autorickshaws will have the ability to cost the revised fares solely after their digital meters are recalibrated. “The complete course of will take as much as three months and by the primary week of June, virtually each auto and taxi will show revised fares on the meter,” state transport commissioner Avinash Dhakne mentioned. This implies, there might be lengthy queues of autos-taxis at RTOs for the stamp and seal on meters, and repairers can even make a ‘fast buck’, sources mentioned.
The brand new auto and taxi fares shall be relevant in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Vasai-Virar and Panvel. The fare for share autos and taxis can even rise by a rupee (minimal Rs 8 for autos will enhance to Rs 9 per passenger), though they don’t seem to be permitted now as per Covid norms.
When requested whether or not the hike will pinch the widespread man’s pocket who continues to be reeling below the lockdown results, transport minister Anil Parab mentioned the division has tried to increase reduction to most sectors like a rebate in highway tax for industrial automobiles, however taxi and auto drivers didn’t get any reduction. “Since they’re additionally part of our workforce we have now to increase reduction to them too,” he mentioned.
A number of residents weren’t proud of the fare hike. “That is one more value hike for Mumbaikars after the latest enhance in petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG and home piped gasoline charges. Why is the federal government burdening us with these hikes?” requested Vaishnavi Krishnan, who commonly commutes by auto from her residence to Thane station.
Mumbai Autorickshawm-en’s Union chief Shashank Rao, whereas welcoming the hike, mentioned the state must also present monetary help to drivers hit onerous because of the lockdown. A L Quadros from Mumbai Taximen’s Union mentioned a number of drivers will get reduction because the hike will “enhance their earnings”. His union had twice demanded a minimal fare of Rs 25.
In keeping with a transport knowledgeable, the fare hike might result in a drop in ridership of autos and taxis in Mumbai if commuters have second ideas on paying 14-16% extra fares. This might additionally enhance ridership within the crimson buses, he added.
At current, the BEST bus is the most cost effective mode of transport which presents a journey as much as 5 km for Rs 5. “In an AC bus, the identical journey could be for Rs 6 as in comparison with Rs 70 in an auto if the revised fare is taken under consideration,” mentioned Yogesh Khare, who commutes by practice, after which takes an auto or bus to work at Andheri. “Folks wouldn’t thoughts ready for a bus than pay 16% extra to the auto driver for day by day journey.”
